Classic IOR: many great little masterpieces. Here are your ‘old’ glories

What does it mean to have an ‘old’ boat, a boat that we can date back almost 40 or 50 years?

In all likelihood, it means owning a piece of history, the star of a memorable sailing season that is finally making a comeback. The enthusiasm of enthusiasts and owners has been pouring in, overwhelming us with comments, emails and reports.

And to good effect. Now, in fact, so many boats can finally regain the public dignity they deserve. After an initial tranche by boats and projects you have reported to us, so here is another selection of “Classic IORs” (as theAIVE, Associazione Italiana Vele d’Epoca), which opened its doors to the 1970-1984 IOR boats at its events) that you sent us, a tribute to these ‘old glories’ so important both to you and to the history of sailing.

Keep sending us your IOR boats and their stories, they deserve to be told. Write to us, also attaching photos, at deluise@panamaeditore.it

Still on the topic, we also suggest:

• How do you revive a 70s/80s IOR boat? Word to the gurus

Joshua II; Ziggurat 995

Starting with the big names, Salvatore Caradonna reminds us of his Joshua II, the Ziggurat 995 that almost won the Round Aeolian Race last year (2nd in class, 3rd overall. Story here). An evolution of theiconic Ziggurat 916, the Ziggurat 995 is a remarkable Classic IOR and, like its predecessor, bears the signature of the great Andrea Vallicelli, one of IOR’s greatest designers.

Produced by CPR shipyards in Fiumicino, Italy, starting in 1981, the Ziggurat 995 recaptures the 916’s sporty footprint, but seeks to be more comfortable in the interior. At 9.95 meters in length overall (LOA) and just 3.30 at maximum beam, it is a streamlined boat with narrow lines and good bowling skills. In the standard version, it looks like a masthead-rigged sloop but, in the purely racing version, this was fractionated to 7/8, in parallel with a significant weight reduction. Peculiar, but exactly as with the 916, the 995 was produced in both finished and kit versions.

Lucky 77, the Charm of Mini Tonners

Moving to lower categories, but only in size, Massimiliano Valsesia reminds us of the
Fortunello 77,
designed by Sciomachen, thus evoking the little big adventure of the legendary Mini Tonners.

A viable and fun class, mini tonners took off from the early 1970s, racing under 16.5′ in IOR and becoming especially ‘big’ towards the end of the decade. They were among the promoters of ‘democratic sailing,’ offering high standards and high competitiveness in a circuit that was widespread and equally tight-knit, yet able to keep itself more affordable than other circuits. It was everyone’s class and the class of the great, fun, fast-paced and, in its own way, pioneering; as well, of course, the place of practice for so many great signatures, such as Sciomachen, Jezequel, Holland and Farr, to name a few.

Bellona; Domino 39

Still talking about Sciomachen’s projects, Jacopo Baldini also writes us talking about IOR, about
Bellona
specifically, a Domino 39 (11.84 m x 3.72 m):

Speaking of IOR, the Sciomachen studio designed the Domino 39 for the Biasi shipyards in 1981, a completely custom series in the interior. This specimen features mahogany interior with three cabins, wonderful dinette and bathroom, pulled lines with tiller rudder, three spreader mast. Unique feature for the time was the bi-well with double entrance.

Refitted ne 2022, for those interested, Bellona is for sale in Ravenna at €30,000

Classic IOR: Fuxia- a Show 29 signed Jèzèquel is on sale.

It was 1975 when Barberis began production of the first Show 29, number 1 of 50, the result of a project signed by another big name we have already seen: Alain Jèzèquel. A project that was continued and produced until 1988, but more importantly, boat for sale on our flea market (here), because Fuxia, Antonio Pitini’s Show 29, can be yours for €23,000.*

Measuring 8.97 meters in length overall, 7.01 meters at the waterline and 3.02 meters at maximum beam, the Show 29 is a fiberglass half-tonner rigged at the masthead, with a sail area (R+G) of about 37.16 sq. meters. Comfortable and spacious for the class, given the large beam and relatively wide stern, it accommodates up to 6 people, divided between the saloon, forward cabin and aft cabins. Of course, galley and facilities are not lacking, making it versatile and popular for both cruising and pulling edges in regattas.

Classic IOR: Vinca and the Great Classic IOR

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Overall, to remember and honor a golden era, there were many of you, and many of you continue to write and comment to us. An undoubtedly positive, as well as pleasant, sign for the rebirth of an entire generation. Sokeep sending us stories, photos and tales of your
Classic IOR
, and we will post them here so that they can rightly be shared.

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Do you have an IOR? Tell us about it!

• 
  Do you have an IOR and want to tell us its story?
  Write it to us at
  deluise@panamaeditore.it
  , accompanying it with a few pictures of the boat. We will publish it in the Sailing Newspaper!
• 
  Do you have an IOR and want to sell it?
  List it on our
  classifieds marketplace
  , it’s free and we’ll help you out!

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